Interface systems for portable digital media storage and playback devices
First Claim
1. A docking assembly adapted for use in interfacing a portable digital media storage and playback device having a first display element with an audio and video reproduction system having a television-compatible second display element and a first audio amplifier adapted to drive at least one speaker, the docking assembly comprising:
- a first electrical coupling adapted to engage the portable digital media storage and playback device;
a microprocessor adapted to communicate with the portable digital media storage and playback device through the first electrical coupling;
a remote control receiver adapted to receive an input signal from a wireless remote controller device and to provide an output signal to the microprocessor;
a second electrical coupling adapted to engage the wireless remote controller device;
an audio output port adapted to communicate an audio signal to the first audio amplifier;
a video output port adapted to communicate a television-compatible video signal to the second display element;
a video processor in communication with the microprocessor, the video processor being adapted to communicate to the video output port the television-compatible video signal indicative of a signal received from the portable digital media storage and playback device for display by the second display element; and
a unitary body structure, wherein the first electrical coupling, the second electrical coupling, the microprocessor, the audio output port, the video output port, and the video processor are disposed in or on the unitary body structure,wherein the unitary body structure defines a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity including the first electrical coupling and being adapted to receive a portion of the portable digital media storage and playback device, and the second cavity including the second electrical coupling and being adapted to receive a portion of the wireless remote controller device, andwherein the wireless remote controller device includes a connector configured to mate with the second electrical coupling of the docking assembly to receive programmatic updates of software associated with the wireless remote controller, the connector being further configured to mate with a control device to provide wireless control of video content stored in the portable digital media storage and playback device and to provide wireless control of an audio and video reproduction of the content being provided through the audio and video reproduction system communicatively coupled to the docking assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A docking assembly serves as an interface between (1) a portable digital media storage and playback (PDMSP) device, and (2) a media reproduction system. A remote controller preferably controls the docking assembly and PDMSP device, which may receive electric charge from the assembly. Media reproduction systems may reproduce audio and video signals in user-perceptible form. Telephonic relay capability is further provided between a telephonic PDMSP playback device and a telephonic remote controller by way of a telephone rebroadcast receiver associated with the docking assembly. Methods for downloading digital media files, and for creating or modifying playlists with a remotely controllable docking assembly adapted to provide a television-compatible video output signal, are further provided.
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Citations
55 Claims
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1. A docking assembly adapted for use in interfacing a portable digital media storage and playback device having a first display element with an audio and video reproduction system having a television-compatible second display element and a first audio amplifier adapted to drive at least one speaker, the docking assembly comprising:
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a first electrical coupling adapted to engage the portable digital media storage and playback device; a microprocessor adapted to communicate with the portable digital media storage and playback device through the first electrical coupling; a remote control receiver adapted to receive an input signal from a wireless remote controller device and to provide an output signal to the microprocessor; a second electrical coupling adapted to engage the wireless remote controller device; an audio output port adapted to communicate an audio signal to the first audio amplifier; a video output port adapted to communicate a television-compatible video signal to the second display element; a video processor in communication with the microprocessor, the video processor being adapted to communicate to the video output port the television-compatible video signal indicative of a signal received from the portable digital media storage and playback device for display by the second display element; and a unitary body structure, wherein the first electrical coupling, the second electrical coupling, the microprocessor, the audio output port, the video output port, and the video processor are disposed in or on the unitary body structure, wherein the unitary body structure defines a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity including the first electrical coupling and being adapted to receive a portion of the portable digital media storage and playback device, and the second cavity including the second electrical coupling and being adapted to receive a portion of the wireless remote controller device, and wherein the wireless remote controller device includes a connector configured to mate with the second electrical coupling of the docking assembly to receive programmatic updates of software associated with the wireless remote controller, the connector being further configured to mate with a control device to provide wireless control of video content stored in the portable digital media storage and playback device and to provide wireless control of an audio and video reproduction of the content being provided through the audio and video reproduction system communicatively coupled to the docking assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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53. A method for controlling a portable digital media storage and playback device having a first display element, comprising the acts of:
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docking the portable digital media storage and playback device in a first cavity of a docking assembly including a first electrical coupling; docking a wireless remote controller device of the docking assembly in a second cavity of the docking assembly including a second electrical coupling; controlling operation of the portable digital media storage and playback device with the wireless remote device; and updating the wireless remote controller device with updates through a connector of the wireless remote controller, the connector being configured to mate with the second electrical coupling of the docking assembly to receive programmatic updates of software associated with the wireless remote controller, the connector being further configured to mate with a control device to provide wireless control of video content stored in the portable digital media storage and playback device and to provide wireless control of an audio and video reproduction of the content being provided through the audio and video reproduction system communicatively coupled to the docking assembly. - View Dependent Claims (54, 55)
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Specification